COVID-19 Safety and Policies

UPDATED 02/01/2021

Prepare for Your Visit

Winterplace is committed to bringing you the best environment to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing during the 2020-21 season.  Following industry / CDC guidelines and protocols, as well as, guidance from state and local health departments, our priority is to minimize the risk of the spread of COVID-19, while being able to maximize the enjoyment and lifelong passion of our sport.  Working together, we can all have a great season when following these guidelines and protocols.

Working Together

Please review and understand the following guidelines and protocols, so you can prepare for a safe and enjoyable visit.

It takes everyone doing their part to help us ensure a safe mountain experience.  Changes are being made to prioritize the health and safety of our guests, employees, and communities in response to COVID-19. 

Face Coverings Required:

In accordance with an executive order signed by Governor Jim Justice on July 6th, all individuals age nine or above are required to wear adequate face coverings in public indoor spaces.

• Face coverings are required in alignment with CDC recommendations indoors and whenever physical distancing cannot be achieved.  This includes both indoor and outdoor spaces, except when seated while eating or drinking.
• Face coverings are mandatory in lift lines and while riding on all resort lifts. This includes in lines and loading and unloading chairlifts.
• Guests should bring their own face covering. Winterplace may have them available upon request, subject to availability.  Guests who are unwilling to comply will not be permitted to participate in activities or enter resort buildings.  

Physical Distancing:

• Physical distancing of 6-feet should be observed in all resort areas, indoor, and outdoors.  
• Employees may limit the number of guests in any area of the resort to ensure proper physical distancing.
• If your schedule allows, we recommend making a weekday trip to Winterplace this season to avoid crowds and potential limitations on peak days.  

  Holiday and Peak Periods:

  December 21, 2020 - January 3, 2021

  January 15, 2021 - January 18, 2021

  February 13, 2021 - February 15, 2021

  Friday - Sunday, December 17, 2020 - March 6, 2021

Employee Protocols & Training:

• Employees are required to wear a face covering, and follow Winterplace's safety protocols and procedures.
• Employees will undergo daily health screenings.
• Employees are required to stay at home if sick.

Enhanced Cleaning & Sanitizing:

• High-touch surfaces will be frequently cleaned and disinfected.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be provided throughout the resort.  

Lift Tickets:

• Advanced online ticket purchases are highly recommended. Walk-up tickets may be limited.  Pre-purchase online to ensure availability.
• Pre-purchased tickets may be picked up at front ticketing windows.  Rental shop ticketing stations are limited to those picking up lift and rental equipment packages.  Purchase Lift Tickets
• Fill out rental forms prior to arrival to limit wait time and contact points. Rental Form

Lifts:

• Physical distancing naturally occurs from tip to tail when wearing skis and snowboards.  Additional distancing measures, including extended mazes and lateral space to create a consistent flow of appropriately spaced lines.
• Guests in traveling parties will self-group.  Lift attendants will work to put parties together on lifts, but unaffilliated skiers or riders may be loaded on the same chair, and chairlift capacity will be limited to provide additional physical spacing between seats.  Guests who are not comfortable riding with others will not be forced to, but may have to wait for lift access.

Inside Resort Buildings:

• Registers around the resort offer touchless, mobile payment options.
• Seating will be limited to those eating/drinking Winterplace Food & Beverage items in food court areas.
• No personal or outside food or beverages will be permitted in resort buildings or outside decks.  If you wish to bring your own food & beverages, please store and enjoy at your vehicle.
• Lockers are not available this season.  All bags and belongings must be stored in guest vehicles. 

Food & Beverage Areas:

• Face coverings must be worn at all times except when seated while drinking/eating.
• No outside food or beverages will be permitted in resort buildings. If you wish to bring your own food & beverages, please store and enjoy at your vehicle.
• No coolers or boxes permitted in resort buildings or on decks.
• Tables are spaced for physical distancing.  Do not move tables/chairs.
• Please do not linger at, or save tables.
• We are not planning on opening Mickey's Mountain Cafe for food service but as additional seating.

Lessons:

• Face coverings must be worn at all times.
• Group lessons are limited to reservations only.  Pre-purchase your lessons online to ensure availability.

Rentals:

• We encourage guests to purchase online in advance.  Equipment rentals are available online with the purchase of a lift ticket.
• Rental shop ticketing stations are limited to those picking up lift and rental equipment packages.
• If taking a lesson, please arrive two hours prior to your lesson time to pick up rental equipment.
• If renting equipment online, rental forms must be completed prior to arrival to expedite the rental process.  If forms are not complete prior to arrival, you will be asked to return to your vehicle to complete the required forms. Rental Form
• Equipment Type Exchange (Snowboard to Skis or Skis to Snowboard) requires an additional rental purchase.  
• Snow bib rentals are not available this season.

Snowtubing:

• Face coverings must be worn at all times. 
• Advanced online ticket purchases are highly recommended. Walk-up tickets may be limited.  Pre-purchase online to ensure availability.
• Fill out waivers online prior to arrival to limit wait time and contact points. Snowtubing Waiver
• Snowtubing intervals have changed to allow for social distancing and sanitizing.
• Physical distancing of 6 feet must be maintained at all times.

We will continue to review and update policies to adhere to the most up-to-date regulations and practices.

As we adapt to these changes, our goal is to consistently share the changes that may affect your travel plans to Winterplace.  When visiting we will ask you to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by following recommended local and state health department and CDC guidelines, including staying home if you feel sick.

By working together, we can all do our part to reduce the risk presented by this virus.

6 Ways to Stop the Spread of COVID-19:

1. Wear a mask.
2. Wash your hands.
3. Stay 6 feet apart.
4. Stay home if sick.
5. Get tested if sick.
6. Get a flu shot.

For the most up-to-date information utilize the following resources:

• National Ski Areas Assosciation and West Virginia Ski Areas Association: Ski Well, Be Well
• West Virginia-Specific information: Call the tool-free hotline 1-800-887-4304 or visit www.coronavirus.gov
• West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources: www.dhhr.wv.gov/Covid-19
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov
• World Health Organization – www.who.int

Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present.  The resort has implemented protocols to prioritize guest health and safety, but we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to COVID-19 during your visit.  The risk of being exposed or becoming sick due to COVID-19 cannot be eliminated.  Every skier and rider shares the responsibility for a safe and healthy skiing experience.  It is your responsibility to read and comply with all instructions and signage posted at the resort and on the resort’s website.  Stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.  Wear a face covering in designated areas and maintain at least 6 feet physical distancing from other guests, including in lift lines.  Wash and sanitize your hands frequently.